Happy Halloween

Halloween was a party this year! Here are the costumes of our kiddos. We couldn't find flounder so Nemo was the next best option.





We had a Halloween carnival on Saturday and went trick or treating Saturday night to all of the members in the ward, and today we had friends over for chili in a pumpkin. I tried a new recipe: Pumpkin Turkey Chili. It was pretty darn good I have to say! The menu was consisted of Chili, Beyond Bread , artichoke salad, IBC rootbeers, and Jenn's killer brownies. YUM!

Just a quick pic of our decorations this year....

Jamie's cute Halloween pinata!

The kiddo's showing off their loot!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Skyler dropped the "L" word

This past week one of the cutest boys

( I have ever met)

told me that he LOVED me!

I am still on cloud nine.

He said, " I y'ove you, mama!"

It was pretty magical

to reap motherhood's greatest reward;

the love of your child.

I y'ove you right back Sky!

October Fun

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Thaisy's treats for Joy school this morning. You can use slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for teeth as well.




Thaisy's friend McKenzie dropped her off a bucket of treats that she made with her grandma.



Skyler posing with the Ariel wig we luckily found. Anyone who has a Family Dollar near by, they are selling all of the Disney Princess wigs for just $5!

Our two Joy school classes combined.


Thaisy and friends from Joy school...

Check out the Princesses! I love Halloween!

Three Weeks With My Brother

I don't know how many of you have read Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks, but it's a good one. It's the true story of his life; in particular the close relationship with his brother. I loved the book because it details the inspiration behind so many of his books, and he is one that has bounced back from so many obstacles.

The point of this post, however, is that there is a part in the book where Nicholas Sparks talks about how his mom used to make all of three of the siblings, say something they love about each while being tucked in bed at night. I loved the idea and so that has become a bed time routine for Thais and me. So far nothing profound has come out of this little exercise but boy do I love it when a big smile creeps across Thaisy's face and she says, "What I love about Sky is I love to play with him"! Same answer every night. Hands down, playing with her brother is the best thing about him.

This picture melts my heart because I think one of the greatest joys I have experienced as a mother is watching my babies interact. I love to watch them play. I love how much they adore each other (don't get me wrong they fight and tease with the best of them) but they are still always friends.

One night Skyler fell asleep at 4:00 in the afternoon, so at about 7:00pm Thais and I snuck in his room to check on him. As we were slipping quietly out of the room, Thais got a big smile on her face and said, "Oh Man, we just love that boy"! We do. She does. That makes me happy.

I even love that Skyler "tattles" now. His whole goal is to get Thais sent to her room, and then the minute I put her in he runs and unlocks the door for her to get let out. It makes me laugh because I used to do the same thing with my little brother.

I just have this sense that close sibling relationships don't always happen by chance. As their mom, I have to foster it. Like Nicholas Sparks' wise mother,kids need to be asked what they love about each other. I want to teach them that we're a team and remind them that friends come and go-but their friendship is one that lasts forever. I want Thais to look out for Sky at school and instill in them a firm sense of loyalty ....

But for now, I just love watching their frienship develop! Seriously, It's the best.

Summer Fav's (a few months behind)

Just a few highlights of our summer:

Eating oranges on our lawn

Power of Moms Motherhood retreat with these Bff's!

I will have to blog about this retreat later. It was amazing!

Meeting Linda Eyre (same retreat as above). I was in awe, a bit star struck, but mostly just so inspired by her life's work. For more info about her go to valuesparenting.com

Thaisy with her friend Ella at her very first dance recital.

Lexi's traditional 4th of July visit. Love this girl!

Visiting the Ostrich Farm. It was really cool. It reminded me that I've actually tried ostrich meat. In case you're wondering it tastes like an incredibly tender beef fillet. Apparently there are restaurants all over Tucson that serve it. So if you're ever in town....

Six weeks of swim lessons. Doesn't her teacher look a bit like Harry Connick Jr?

Visiting a new Temple: Los Angeles, Ca

A trip with dear friends...

Meeting my newest nephew for the first time. How cute is the kid?

Celebrating my Jenny-poo's 29th birthday at the Cheesecake Factory (i'm drooling just thinking of it). I sure love my sis!

Having Neveah come for a few weeks. Crazy girls I tell ya!

My Birthday in Cali! So much fun to be with my family!

(The birthday kiss wasn't bad either)

Disney Land: The Happiest Place On Earth??

This post is a bit late, but I wanted document our trip to Disney Land this past Spring. We went with all of my siblings and had a great time but, as all parents understand, there is always a little bit of melt down action in, "The Happiest Place On Earth"! My favorite picture is the one of Thais trying to bend Sky's leg over his head in a moment of frustration. Classic!


But of course we still had a blast! Here are some happier moments:

Finger Puppets

My Mother in Law asked me to come up with a way to make finger puppets as a craft for the kids over Christmas. Thaisy and I decided to gjve it a whirl and here is what we came up with...





Thais made the black and white cat...what a crafty girl!